Seasonal influenza is increasing across campus, and your friends might be feeling sick. Here are some ways you can prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness:
- Get a flu shot. Make an appointment online today, or call (269) 387-3287 to get vaccinated. Flu vaccines protect against the viruses research indicates will be most common this year.
- Avoid close contact with sick people. People who have flu symptoms should avoid contact with others for 24 hours after their fever subsides.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Sing the happy birthday song whole you wash to spend the right amount of time washing. Done singing? You're done washing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after you use it. If you haven't got a tissue, use your sleeve.
Most people are able to recover at home from flu without medical care. Want to learn more? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes a PDF guide.